Polymerization of vinyl acetate in bulk and emulsion by gamma irradiation

The vinyl acetate polymerization to produce poly(vinyl acetate) was carried out in bulk and emulsion using a Co-60 gamma irradiator Gammacell-220 type. The irradiation was carried out in a dose race of 5.25 and 5.30 kGy/h, respectively. The polymers obtained were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Tests of density, hardness and Vicat softening temperature were carried out. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.